The Christian Metal band, having released Christmas singles each of the last four years, will finally take the full-length plunge this October.

"August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin' Hill, A Holiday Album" will feature 13 tracks in all including the original songs "Flurries" (above) and "Sleddin' Hill". The band's previous Christmas hits are here, remixed and remastered, and there are plenty of new takes on old holiday classics--from "Frosty" and "Rudolph" on through to "Oh Holy Night".

Listening to ABR guitarist and principle songwriter J.B. Brubakertell it, "Sleddin' Hill" may be an entirely instrumental outing. "Writing metal versions of Christmas songs has always been a challenge for me because the songs are driven by simple vocal melodies with the only variety in the lyrics. We decided to take the songs and go the instrumental route--the main melodies are there, but this record has a lot more to it then that." Brubaker says the songs on "Sleddin' Hill" are a lot more involved than your average cover, with melodies flowing in and out from the familiar to places you've never been before.

Brubaker says that working on the Christmas album gave him the opportunity to fully explore his musical influences, including the bands Beirut and Weezer, "and my punk roots are evident all over the album." What Brubaker did not want was a silly novelty album (as some Metal Christmas records have been). Brubaker believes that "Sleddin' Hill" is a solid record with plenty of ABR substance--enough "to interest even the biggest Scrooges out there."

The single "Sleigh Ride" will be released on September 18, with the rest of the album following on October 9.

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